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"While Unite is not recommending the offer, as it will have different outcomes for different people and their pensions, members should be proud that by standing together they have forced BMW into making this offer.

"Without the action that Unite members have taken and the resolve they have shown in recent weeks, BMW would not have made this latest offer, which Unite believes members should have an opportunity to consider."

It is expected that the ballot on the offer will run from 24 May to 9 June.

In the meantime, non-cooperation with flexible working arrangements will remain in place until the outcome of the ballot, Unite says.

BMW said in a statement "The company has received notification from Unite that the strike action has been suspended.

"This follows further negotiations today at which the company tabled a final offer in relation to proposed changes to its UK pension arrangements.

"The company is keeping all staff fully informed and we await further feedback from Unite following its ballot. We believe the offer to be fair and in the long-term interests of both the company and all our employees."